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Wave power

The southern coastline of Australia has a potentially inexhaustible source of energy that is renewable lapping at Shores.

supporters of wave power, which uses offshore or ease and pumps to run electricity generators claim the technology could generate at least 35% of the nation’s power needs. If embraced it could prove as efficient as wind power and more affordable than solar options, according to the three companies that have already started harnessing Australia’s oceanic energy. The Federal government has pumped $5 million into the buyer power company, which runs prototype wave power units in the Bass Strait, and the State government has allocated $72 million for green energy initiatives, including wave energy.

A recent report showed that Australia’s oceans can produce more than 17,000 MW in wave energy at any given time. Around 1800 MW can be generated off the Victorian coastline and this energy can be used by Ballarat electricians inland hundreds of kilometres away. The western coast around Portland is particularly rich with shallow waters and good waves.

Energy experts agree that wave power cannot match. Fossil fuels for electricity production, but can be competitive with other renewables. It is not as well-established as solar, thermal, wind and biomass, but it shows a lot of promise.

There have been two wave and tidal units installed in Bass Strait, not far from King Island and Flinders Island. In another company has installed a 500 kW plant off the Wollongong coast. These new projects show a promising start with regards to wave power. Full renewable energy is to be competitive with fossil fuels such as coal, the national carbon trading scheme would have to be in place. And with the 20% renewable energy target as set by the Federal government. It helps to push the investment for wave and tidal power.